The cowboy boot is more than a sturdy piece of workwear. It’s more than a fashion statement, too. It’s a vital piece of Texas culture, as complicated, diverse, and ever-evolving as the makeup of our state. We explored the art and culture and traditions that surround the official footwear of Texas—so named by the Texas Lege—with a little help from a few of our favorite neighbors.
Collection
The Power of Boots
Photograph by The Voorhes
Texas Is the State of the Cowboy Boot. But the History Is More Complicated Than You Think.
What we know today as the cowboy boot is a distinctive offshoot of styles favored by Genghis Khan, the Duke of Wellington, and myriad other horsemen throughout history.
Texans and Their Boots: Reflections From a Few of Our Favorite People
The stories, the traditions, and the deeper meanings of the boots in their lives.
Read the Full Story“With a boot, you’re sending a message. Fashion is all about communication. You’re saying, ‘This is who I am. This is what I think is important.’”
An Inside Look at the Making of a Great Cowboy Boot
The master bootmakers at Little’s, in San Antonio, demonstrate what goes into a fine boot.
Behold the Art of the Cowboy Boot: Bolder and Better Crafted Than Ever
Across the state, custom bootmaking legends and their successors are building on a handcrafted tradition with a dizzying array of styles.
From the Archives
Alive and Kicking
Nothing advertises your Texas bona fides more these days than a pair of handmade cowboy boots. Here's everything you need to know about them - how to tell a vamp from a pull, which toe style is right with a suit - and where to buy the best.
The Texanist: Is It OK to Wear My Late Uncle’s Giraffe-Skin Cowboy Boots?
A British man is feeling guilty about walking around in exotic animal hide.
The Texanist: What Do I Wear to a “Western Chic” Party?
A Connecticut Yankee new to San Antonio’s social circuit is vexed by an invitation’s dress code.
The Texanist: What Do I Do When a Yankee Calls My Cowboy Boots “Shoes”?
A Texan who spent a quarter of a century in Massachusetts is flummoxed by his former neighbors’ footwear foolishness.